Breastfeeding support

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glapapa
glapapa Member Posts: 10
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
I wanted to know if there were any of you who nursed through your cancer treatments? I am looking for people who were sucessful at it and also those who stopped and their reasons for it, whether it be medical or personal. I had a hard time looking for support when I had my mastectomy back in February. I am still breastfeeding my daughter (on one side of course!)and I am getting some pressure to wean. I am still undergoing reconstruction on my right side and did not need chemo or radiation. Information on the topic was hard to come by and I wanted to know if anyone has had a similar experience and what they were told. Thanks and God Bless!
Gina

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  • DebRoa
    DebRoa Member Posts: 31
    #2
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    nor was my cancer caught that early. I do have a question or two. Why are you being pressured to stop nursing? Is your cancer hormone receptor positive? Does nursing pose a medical danger to either your baby or yourself? I am a nursing advocate-I nursed both of my children and have wonderful memories. You might find a lactation specialist who may have information that might help. Or ask your childs pediatrician. Since you are not getting chemo or radiation maybe there is no real reason to stop.

    Many hugs-I hope you find the answers you need!

    deb
  • Mbladet
    Mbladet Member Posts: 12
    #3
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    I can't imagine, given that you did not need chemo or radiation, that you would need to stop nursing. What is different, other than you only have one breast to nurse with. I agree, nursing is so important to both you and the baby - unless there is some medical reason to stop, do what you feel is best for you and your bundle of joy.
  • Ellison
    Ellison Member Posts: 68
    #4
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    I did not breast feed my children but I think it is wonderful that you can have this experience. I can't imagine anyone thinking a negative thought unless they have some medical thing out there we don't know about. My daughter just gave birth to a baby boy on Sept. 2nd and she is breast feeding. She shared with me how when breast feeding, little Ricky stares at her and she at him. Precious Moments! Happy breastfeeding to you and your bundle of wonderfulness.... ellison
  • glapapa
    glapapa Member Posts: 10
    #5
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    DebRoa said:

    nor was my cancer caught that early. I do have a question or two. Why are you being pressured to stop nursing? Is your cancer hormone receptor positive? Does nursing pose a medical danger to either your baby or yourself? I am a nursing advocate-I nursed both of my children and have wonderful memories. You might find a lactation specialist who may have information that might help. Or ask your childs pediatrician. Since you are not getting chemo or radiation maybe there is no real reason to stop.

    Many hugs-I hope you find the answers you need!

    deb

    I have full support from our pediatrician. He is a huge advocate for breastfeeding. Personally, I think that it is just the personal opinions of other doctors such as surgeons or oncologists that I not breastfeed. THe general public especially in America, does not support long term breastfeeding. So, to see a toddler nursing, they think it's weird and express that emphatically. THey have not been able to give a medical reason why. My tumor was hormone receptor negative. So that can't even be an issue. I would have to say they might have a valid reason if that were the case. My local La Leche League has been wonderful to provide much needed information, but it took a lot of research to obtain it.

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